📖 Meaning
This idiom refers to the national economy and the people's livelihood. It encompasses both the financial well-being of the state and the daily living conditions of its citizens. It is often used in contexts discussing governance, policy, and economic matters of great importance.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom draws from two classical sources. The first is the 'Rich State' chapter of Xunzi, a Warring States period text by the philosopher Xun Kuang, which discusses achieving maximum national wealth through proper governance. The second is the 'Twelfth Year of Duke Xuan' chapter of the Zuo Zhuan, a Spring and Autumn period historical chronicle, which states that the people's livelihood depends on diligence, and diligence prevents poverty. Together these two strands—the national economy and the people's livelihood—were combined into the compound phrase '民生国计'.
💡 Example Usage
这些政策无不关系民生国计，岂可草率决定？
These policies all concern the national economy and the people's livelihood—how can they be decided carelessly?
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 民生国计
- Pinyin: mín shēng guó jì
- Literal Translation: people's, livelihood, national, economy
- Category: Leadership
- Characters: 4